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Ottawa 3, Edmonton 4 (OT)

Ottawa came storming out of the gate to start the game, but were the inferior team through the final three periods and have to be happy with getting a point. The game was entertaining to watch–wide open hockey. Here is the box score.

First Period
The Sens stormed out of the gate and dominated the Oilers. Alfredsson scored the only goal, firing through a great Michalek screen. Chris Neil had the hit of the period, burying the struggling Paajarvi. Cowen made a brutal giveaway that resulted in a Brian Lee penalty.
Second Period
The Oilers dominated early, spurred on by turnovers (Karlsson had an identical one at his own blueline from the Nashville game). Craig Anderson sparkled while Edmonton was on the powerplay, with great saves off Eberle and Hall. The Oilers would tie it when Spezza lost a puck battle on the boards and Butler lost his check (Paajarvi) who scored into the 4×6. Michalek put the Sens back ahead on a mini-breakaway, but Eager is able to tie it when Ryan Jones knocks over Cowen to give him his own mini-breakaway.
Third Period
Michalek loses track of his check and Horcoff is wide open to give Edmonton their first lead of the game. Riding the momentum, Paajarvi hits the post and later Lee saves a goal by knocking over Hemsky who has a wide open net. Karlsson is able to tie it up when Petry clears his rebound right back to him. The Oilers dominate the final minutes, and a Phillips turnover is bailed out by Anderson.
OT
The Oilers win the opening draw and score on that play, with Michalek (again) missing his defensive assignment.

A look at the goals:
1. Alfredsson (Karlsson, Spezza)
Karlsson blocks the Oiler clear and Alfredsson fires through a Michalek screen
2. Edmonton, Paajarvi
Spezza loses the battle on the boards with Horcoff and then Butler loses his check (Paajarvi) who scores on a wide-open net
3. Michalek (Spezza, Butler)
Sent in on a mini-breakaway Michalek makes no mistake
4. Edmonton, Eager
Ryan Jones knocks over Cowen to give Eager a mini-breakaway and he beats Anderson 5-hole
5. Edmonton, Horcoff
Michalek loses track of Horcoff who is wide open for a one-timer
6. Karlsson (unassisted)
Petry swats Karlsson’s rebound right back to him and he fires it home
7. Edmonton, Hall
Michalek is late on the back check again and Hall puts in Horcoff’s rebound

Top-performers:Erik Karlsson – a goal, an assist, and other than one brutal turnover was excellent defensivelyCraig Anderson – he probably should have stopped Eager’s goal, but did a great job keeping the Sens in the gameBrian Lee – saved two goals in the game and was solid overall

Players who struggled:Milan Michalek – yes he scored, but he’s the goat on two Oiler goals including the winnerFilip Kuba – a rare off-game for the normally reliable Kuba

I’ll give an honourable mention on the positive side to Zack Smith, who seems to be turning his game around.